PARIS — Audi took the wraps off of the Crosslane Coupe Concept, a new compact SUV concept at the 2012 Paris Auto Show. Styled by recently appointed Audi Design Chief Wolfgang Egger, the Audi Crosslane Coupe Concept has a Targa-style removable roof panel and features considerably more chiseled styling than existing models. The concept defines the design direction for Audi's future Q models.

Egger took the helm of Audi's design group in February 2012 and this is the first concept to debut under his watch. The future of Audi SUV styling is bolder, more angular and masculine than the current soft, rounded look of today's models — the Crosslane Coupe Concept's edgy front-end treatment, intimidating headlights and heavily faceted grille make a prominent statement.

As you make your way around the sides and back, the Crosslane Coupe Concept looks a bit toylike, especially when the carbon-fiber roof panel is removed. Though clearly a concept car, the Audi Crosslane Coupe is presented as a 177-horsepower (combined) plug-in hybrid. Its chassis — comprising aluminum, carbon fiber and fiberglass — is married to a turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine and single-speed hybridized transmission.

The fuel economy estimates of any PHEV (never mind a concept one) are subject to many "yeah, buts," so Audi's claim of 214 mpg for the Crosslane Coupe Concept should be taken with a large grain of salt. Recall similar numbers thrown around by Chevrolet when the Volt was still in its early stages. Still, the hybrid powertrain itself is likely similar to what will be rolled into other production Audi hybrids next year.

The styling shown here will likely debut in production form on a new compact SUV model named Q2 late next year.

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